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Member since 12/15/02
Posts: 8690
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Posted on: 1/7/13 12:41 PM ET
From the darkside that is. I've been making my daughter some sleeping pants. And enjoying it. I haven't really done much clothing in the past 10 years or so. Although that's how I started. And since I've been losing tons of weight well not tons but you know. I'm getting near getting back in a decent size for patterns. And God knows RTW is crap anymore and poorly made even the expensive stuff which I can't afford anyway so a moot point. I went through the big 4 patterns companies and wrote down some for the dollar sales. Then went and got all the reviews for them from here, made some pretty good choices. Do I really want to venture back down the dark path to fitting, matching fabric, pattern, wearability, obsession with perfection? So you fellow quilters, how many of you sew clothing also, or have sewn clothing or have never touch a pattern?
  
Member since 10/22/10
Posts: 1204
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Posted on: 1/7/13 12:51 PM ET
I just made a shirt and pants about a month ago. I don't sew clothes all that frequently and I'm not very good at it. Both items turned out better than I expected though. I still have another house dress and fancy-ish shirt in my pile of clothes I want to sew. I have the fabric for it set aside (for ages) pattern cut out and everything.
  
Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 1/7/13 1:03 PM ET
In reply to quiltingwolf
I sew garments, and find that's still my main thing, even though I'm enjoying quilting too.
I'm going to be trying Sure-Fit Designs going forward, to get the fit down. She has such great instructions for converting your sloper into garments, and it's easy, since it's not really a sloper - it has wearing ease built in when you make it.

The problem with garment sewing these days is finding decent fabric at a decent price. But, yes, I enjoy making simple garments. Note the word simple - just like I like my quilts!
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Bernina 790 PRO, 570
Babylock Evolution


When life gives you green velvet curtains, make a green velvet dress.
  
Member since 10/1/03
Posts: 2871
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Posted on: 1/7/13 1:44 PM ET
As another thread just mentioned - some of the 70s and early 80s styles are coming back - and are less fitted. So that will help you with the fitting, lol.

That's about when I learned to sew, and the complicated garments I made needed to fit multiple people (theatre costumes) so I never really learned to fit.

Also now (as opposed to whenever it was you used to make garments) you have PR! It is soooo helpful when someone else has advice on sizing (when something runs outrageously large, it can usually be altered, but it's nice to start with the correct size!), or moving darts, etc. Sort of like you start at the second muslin.

Even better is when they recommend a similar pattern from elsewhere that is easier to sew.
  
Member since 2/17/06
Posts: 5558
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Posted on: 1/7/13 2:03 PM ET
I used to sew clothing, but not anymore.

I LOVE!! making baby girl's and little girls clothes, but don't have little girls anymore.

I used to also sew for myself, but that was when I wasn't so big and it was much easier to fit.

I still love the challenge of a unique prom dress, but at the same time glad I don't have that headache of a challenge anymore either.




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Cathryn
  
Member since 9/14/07
Posts: 742
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Posted on: 1/7/13 6:29 PM ET
Back in the 60s and 70s I made all my clothes - heck it did not take much wool fabric to make a mini skirt back in the day. Fabric was so much more economical back then. In the 80s I made alot of children's clothing. Now I tend to make some baby clothes and usually 4 or 5 items a year for myself. Now that I have retired I need fewer clothes so it really is not worth the effort to me. However when I make a a top for myself, I am so proud.
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Elna Excellence 740, Pfaff Performance 5.2, Elna EasyCover, Babylock Enlighten, Babylock Meridian, Singer Treadle, Singer 66, Singer 99, Bernina 440

http://juliannasjourney.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 3/8/10
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Posted on: 1/7/13 6:34 PM ET
In reply to quiltingwolf
I like to do some clothing sewing & also crafty things. ....
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Member since 12/26/11
Posts: 2389
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Posted on: 1/7/13 8:12 PM ET
Noo it's ok to venture back and forth!

I made everything in Junior High and high school, fabric was cheap but my stuff was "home made" looking. Gave it up and had life. Got back into it and make tons of clothing, without many sizes for sale and not too many "fit" issues.

Sewing for myself I picked up a couple years ago here on PR! I loved it and got better. Then I hit the Home Dec phase enough pillows you can't see our furniture, so I made Purses. Fun Fun. This winter I've become SO addicted to quilting I know this is a life long love.

BUT my quilting has made me a better clothing seamstress! If that makes sense?

I still want to make Some things for me to wear, but will go on making some pillow and purses and Tons of Quilts

Debbie
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I have a great enthusium for sewing, but lack talent to be great.

2013
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 7941
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Posted on: 1/7/13 8:58 PM ET
In reply to quiltingwolf
Quote:
Do I really want to venture back down the dark path to fitting, matching fabric, pattern, wearability, obsession with perfection?

Sure you do! It's what makes you versatile!

Quote:
So you fellow quilters, how many of you sew clothing also, or have sewn clothing or have never touch a pattern?
If I never sewed clothing, I'd be nekked. Of course I quilt and sew, and even teach quilting classes. But my first love is sewing. I'm listening to podcasts and am getting some brilliant ideas for trim used with buttonholes. Can't wait to try it out!
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"Play the cards you are dealt, but choose who is sitting at the table"..AARP magazine

SEE MY ETSY SHOP HERE: http://www.etsy.com/shop/AuntMaymesAttic
My blog: http://auntmaymesattic.wordpress.com/
  
Member since 8/19/07
Posts: 619
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Posted on: 1/7/13 9:01 PM ET
I do both and have been sewing since my teenage years. In my 30's, I started quilting and loved it. For many years, all I made were quilts and a few pair of slacks for work every now and then. Right now, I'm enjoying both garment sewing and quilting. Since joining this forum, I've been able to make wearable garments that fit, which makes garment sewing enjoyable.
Even though, there are quite a few UFO quilts in the house I started "Braid In A Day" this weekend and enjoyed myself. When my tracing paper comes from Richard The Thread, I'm going to start my couture garment for the Craftsy Class.
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Charlene
  
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